In this past post, I shared research showing that children of mothers who consumed artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy were more likely to develop childhood asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Women who consumed artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy were also shown to have a higher risk of preterm delivery.
Now, recent research raises concerns about the impact of artificial sweeteners on fertility. While most previous studies have been conducted on animals, emerging evidence suggests that excessive consumption of artificial sweeteners may adversely affect fertility in both men and women, with links to infertility and birth defects highlighted in studies involving pregnant women.
Additionally, there are indications that artificial sweeteners may disrupt gut microbiota and contribute to long-term health risks, such as heart disease and cognitive decline.
Given the uptick in artificial sweetener usage and its implications for reproductive health, further research is essential to elucidate their effects on human fertility.
If you are hungry for more evidence-based information in your pregnancy, sign up for my free webinar: 7 Pregnancy Myths Debunked – and get the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy and a thriving baby.
And if you are a care-provider looking for evidence-based resources for your fertility patients, please get in touch with us at support@myhealthypregnancyplan.com.
In health,
Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND
Terra Life
Disclaimer: The information and content provided is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Please consult the Disclaimer and Terms of Use for full details.
References:
Gopalakrishnan, N. et al. (2024). Unraveling connections with artificial sweeteners and their impact on human health: A comprehensive review. eFood.